MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: As 42 million Americans face rising hunger — and on the 30th day of the shutdown — furloughed and fired federal workers will gather outside USDA Headquarters today from 3 to 5 PM to collect food for families in need and demand the release of $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds that remain frozen.

The People’s Pantry: While Trump Builds a Ballroom, We Feed the People will feature a speaking program with Members of Congress, faith leaders, food bank representatives, and federal employees continuing to serve the public, even while unpaid. 

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS:
DMV Federal Unionists Network (FUN), Indivisible, 50501DC, Free DC, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Federal Unionists Network, Fair Share America, Moonlight Movement, Sunrise Movement, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, 27 UNITED, and others.

Organizers are asking for the public to donate food items in person, as listed by the Arlington Food Assistance Center or to contribute online monetary donations directly to the Capital Area Food Bank and the Montgomery County Manna Food Bank. Since the drive opened two days ago, the effort has raised almost $8,000 and volunteers now aim to raise at least $15,000 for food aid and spark similar mutual-aid efforts across the country. Members of the public are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations or donate directly online to the partner food banks.

Organizers are demanding the release of the $6 billion in SNAP emergency funds and offer immediate relief to hungry families.

While the administration diverts public funds toward vanity projects — including the $300 million White House demolition and ballroom project — federal workers are stepping up to fill the void, feeding families and defending the principle of public service.

Confirmed Participants:

• Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)

• Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

• Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)

• Jessica Shahin, Former Associate Administrator, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Ralph McCloud, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Fellow and former Director, Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)

• Furloughed and fired federal employees (USDA, HHS, NLRB, SSA, and others) — speaking in personal capacity

• Faith and community leaders

• Food bank representatives and SNAP recipients (invited)

WHEN:
Thursday, October 30, 2025
3:00–5:00 PM ET (Speaker program 3:30–4:30 PM)

WHERE:
Near U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Headquarters (rain or shine)
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250
(on the Mall just off Jefferson Dr. SW and opposite USDA HQ)

SPEAKERS & PRESS AVAILABILITY

PROGRAM (3:30–4:30 PM)

• Opening Remarks — Food drive organizers welcome attendees and explain donation logistics.

• Remarks by Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)

• Remarks by Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08)

• Remarks by Jessica Shahin, Former SNAP Administrator

• Remarks by Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)

• Remarks by Ralph McCloud, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

• Remarks by SNAP recipient or food bank representative (TBD)

• Closing Remarks — Thanking volunteers and encouraging continued support for local food drives and mutual aid.

WHY:

• The administration is withholding $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds due November 1 — putting 42 million Americans at risk of hunger.

• One in eight Americans relies on SNAP; this is not a partisan issue — it’s about whether families can eat.

• In July, the administration cut $187 billion from SNAP over the next decade, gutting one of the nation’s most effective anti-hunger programs.

• More than 30% of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service workforce has been eliminated since January, eroding vital food-access programs.

• Meanwhile, grocery prices are up, 24 million Americans face rising healthcare costs, and public funds are being spent on private jets for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and foreign ventures totaling billions.

• Every dollar invested in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, strengthening local economies and supporting jobs.

Contacts:
Anna Bakalis anna.bakalis@federalunionists.net

The Federal Unionists Network (FUN) is a national movement of federal workers and allies working in coalition to defend public services and rebuild government for a more democratic, equitable, and just country.